PH ‘quietly working’ with ASEAN over WPS militarization

MANILA – The Philippines is “quietly working” with other Association of Southeast Asian Nations member-countries with regard to the Chinese militarization of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Malacañang said.

The Chinese air force has landed nuclear-capable H-6K aircraft on an island disputed by six Asian neighbors.

“We are quietly working with our ASEAN neighbors, especially those with similar claims,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Tuesday.

Aside from the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan also had claims over the South China Sea.

“Just because we have not said anything in that regard does not mean we are not doing it,” Roque stressed.

He also reiterated that the government will resolve the territorial conflict with China through diplomatic means.

“We are doing that but not making a big deal out of it,” said the Palace official. “In diplomacy, you don’t really have to announce everything you are doing.”/PN

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